Intravenous Catheter Protective Cover

Abstract

A cover for an intravenous catheter configured to attach to a patient to thereby prevent unintentional jarring or other contact with the catheter. The cover includes a dome configured to receive the catheter, and can include a first aperture through which the catheter can be inserted. A fastener can be coupled to the dome, such that the cover can be fastened to the patient. A first set of detents extends from the dome, which are configured to restrict movement of the catheter with respect to the dome.

Description

[0001]This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 257,224 filed on Oct. 24, 2005. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 492,442 filed on Jun. 2, 2011. These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is intravenous catheters, and more particularly to devices for securing catheters to the location at which the catheter is attached to the patient.BACKGROUND[0003]Typically, when a vascular catheter is placed, for example for intravenous administration of fluids, a combined catheter and needle is used to create the vascular puncture after which the needle ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The catheter cover structure provided in accordance with the invention was designed to provide an easy way to secure a catheter to a patient's skin at or in the vicinity of a catheter puncture site, while maintaining hygienic precautions and avoiding premature adhesion to the skin surface. In the presently preferred embodiment, the catheter cover structure of the present as well as a portion of the catheter tubing extending away from the puncture site, and a perimeter defining a bearing surface for engaging the patient's skin and supporting the shield about the puncture site.

[0016]In other contemplated embodiments, a protective cover configured to be attached to a patient is provided that helps prevent undesired movement of a catheter disposed between the cover and the patient's skin. The cover can include a rigid dome configured to receive a catheter and having a first aperture through which the catheter can be inserted. A fastener can be coupled to the dome, and configured to fasten the cover to the patient. The dome can further include a first set of detents extending from the dome and configured to restrict movement of the catheter with respect to the dome. As used herein, the term “detent” can include ribs, discs, tabs, and so forth, such that movement of the catheter with respect to the dome can be restricted.

Problems solved by technology

Using precautions, such as sterile gloves, while inserting the catheters has made the process of securing these catheters complicated.

Indeed, in general, it is difficult to apply sticky tape to the skin while wearing gloves.

In addition, the extra movement needed to reach for and to apply such tape risks the loss of the unsecured catheter.

A difficulty encountered with such prior art products, however, is that the protective covering for the adhesive on the wings must be removed before the needle is inserted into the vein so that it may be thereafter adhered to the skin surface.

Providing an adhesive surface that is exposed before vein puncture, however, risks premature adhesion to the skin and / or adhesion to the medial care provider's gloves.

However, once the catheter is secured at the site of insertion, there is no cover or protective structure that will prevent the accidental dislodgement of the catheter from the patient's skin.

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